Vehicle Trim Lens for Uniform Emblem Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior trim solutions fail to create a light pattern in an emblem shape with substantially uniform intensity, particularly in areas like air bag covers, and often require complex thermal management and limited space integration, while also not dynamically emphasizing logos or emblems effectively under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior trim assembly with a molded lens having a 3D emblem shape and a light-diffusing coating, integrated with LEDs and an opaque layer, which redirects light rays to create a uniformly intense light pattern, using a multi-shot molding process and laser engraving for precise light control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional incandescent lamps with lenses are used for interior lighting, then general area illumination can be provided, but thermal management becomes complicated and space for lamp integration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source function from traditional incandescent lamps and relocates it to LED modules positioned at the rear of the trim component. This separation allows the main trim body to be simplified while the lighting function is concentrated in a compact module that can be easily managed thermally and integrated into limited spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective cavity and lens system as intermediary elements between the LED light source and the interior space. The reflective cavity directs light forward while the lens shapes and distributes the illumination, enabling effective area lighting without requiring the lamp to be embedded deep within the trim structure.
2Illumination intensity
If logos and emblems are illuminated to emphasize manufacturer identity, then aesthetic appeal and brand recognition are enhanced, but the light intensity becomes non-uniform with areas farther from the light source appearing darker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple LED modules at different locations within the reflective cavity and using a specifically designed lens with varying optical properties across its surface. This ensures that each region of the emblem receives appropriate light intensity, with areas that would normally be darker receiving additional illumination through strategically placed light sources and optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic control through a controller that can independently regulate the intensity of multiple LED modules. This allows the system to adapt light distribution in real-time, compensating for variations in emblem geometry and ensuring uniform illumination across the entire emblem surface regardless of distance from individual light sources.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to improve emblem illumination uniformity, then light intensity distribution improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lighting functions into a single integrated assembly where LED modules, reflective cavity, and lens work together as one unit. This unified design achieves uniform emblem illumination while simplifying installation and maintenance, as the entire lighting system can be installed as a single component rather than multiple separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the lighting assembly to serve multiple functions: area illumination of the dashboard, specific highlighting of the emblem, and potential dynamic display capabilities. By making the system multi-functional, the patent justifies the use of multiple LED modules and control circuitry, as the same hardware infrastructure supports various lighting modes and purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a low-cost, compact, and lightweight trim assembly that achieves uniform light intensity in emblem patterns, enhancing aesthetic appeal and safety by ensuring adequate illumination without overheating, while allowing for dynamic lighting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The lens gathers and redirects light rays from the illumination module to generate light in the emblem pattern of substantially uniform intensity
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle interior trim assembly with a molded lens having a 3D emblem shape and a light-diffusing coating
Implementation Method 3
an opaque layer, which redirects light rays to create a uniformly intense light pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior trim assembly and an illuminable emblem assembly is provided. The assembly includes a vehicle interior trim part such as an air bag cover which has at least one opening which defines an emblem pattern. An illumination module including at least one light source is configured to generate visible light rays when energized. A lens including at least one layer is molded in a molding process to have a 3D emblem shape fitted through and matching the at least one opening. The lens has at least one surface-defining portion which is sized and shaped to have the emblem pattern at the front surface of the part. The lens gathers and redirects light rays from the illumination module to generate light in the emblem pattern of substantially uniform intensity through the at least one surface-defining portion and into a passenger compartment of the vehicle.